Different US-based companies work with UK-based companies. These companies often become mergers or joint ventures with each other. When these companies work together on any project, they must ensure smooth and hassle-free communication to pursue the goal. In this fast-paced world, it is common for companies to contact their partners from different countries. For the success of your business, you need to make frequent calls for business operations.
Therefore, you must know how to make calls from the US to the UK. This detailed blog will discuss how to do so.
Factors to Consider While Making Phone Calls to the United Kingdom
When dialing a United Kingdom phone number from the US, your first step is to learn the appropriate dialing procedures. After successfully learning these procedures, phone calls outside your country will become simple. Here are essential and straightforward phone call guidelines for individuals who want to learn US-UK calling procedures.
1. The US Exit Code
Dialing outside your country requires exit codes before placing a telephone call. To reach destinations outside their country, United States phone users should start international calls with ‘011’ as the US exit code. Using a US cell phone to dial the UK requires replacing the US exit code with the ‘+’ symbol.
2. The UK Country Code
You must input country codes confirming your present location for dialing purposes. To call customers in the UK directly from the USA, you must set the country code of the UK (44) as the first entry.
3.UK Area Code
Like any other country, the United Kingdom has multiple regions. Before making a call, remember the area code of the destination location. The telecommunications area code in the United Kingdom is two to five digits long.
4. Enter the Recipient’s Phone Number
You initiate the telephone call by entering your exit area or country code and following up with your recipient’s landline number (local). When you call a landline number belonging to Manchester, you must dial a sequence showing 011-44-161-2797-123 or +44-161-4321-765.
Time Zone Variations to be Considered For Making Phone Calls To The UK
One should verify the local time before placing any phone call. Your decision to call depends on your geographical position in the United States because the time window might accommodate either beginning or ending the conversation. The following table provides the necessary information to verify time zone differences:
Time differences between Daylight Savings Time in the United States and the United Kingdom become distinct because some US states ignore this practice. Therefore, precise knowledge of US and UK times enables callers to determine the best English customer contact times.
The Cost Associated with Calling UK Numbers
The cost to contact the United Kingdom through either cellular or land-based business phones increases rapidly. You should compare different phone service providers which offer numerous international calls at affordable costs if UK phone contact is your regular task.
American cell phone operators set unpredictable rates and break phone connections during active calls when users utilize prepaid communication plans. The solution to this problem involves JustCall’s implementation of low-cost rates, which continue to minimize mobile phone expenses for users.
What Method Enables US Residents to Phone Someone Located in the United Kingdom?
The procedure for UK phone calls requires a straightforward adjustment to ensure your call reaches its intended destination. The basic process requires these actions to make it work:
- Use the “011” US exit code to begin an international call. A US international call request generally begins with entering “011” as your first step.
- To begin with, dial the UK country code “44.” This is the numeric sequence used to initiate calls to the United Kingdom.
- Delete the starting “0” in the UK phone codes because all UK phone number areas begin with this prefix. The initial zero part of UK landline numbers should be omitted when dialing a USA phone number.
- The next step is to enter the area code without the leading zero, which will be discussed later. The London area code “020” becomes “20” while dialing the number from the United States.
- Proceed by dialing the telephone number in your area. In the UK, local phone numbers are usually eight digits long.
The Following Example Will Demonstrate the Complete Dialing Process.
The London phone number “020 7946 0958” must be dialed from the US as “011 44 20 7946 0958.” The dialing procedure for this number is 011 – 44 – 20 – 7946 0958.
Breaking it down:
- 011: US exit code
- 44: UK country code
- 20: The London area calling code without the initial zero.
- 7946 0958: Local number
The dialing structure might differ minutely depending on the particular area you intend to reach. The number of digits in phone area codes varies across regions, ranging from three to four to five.
Each telephone area has unique formatting rules, so check what standards apply to the area from where you need to call. Area code length differs among regions because some use three digits, while others employ four or five digits.
Here Are a Few More Examples:
- To call Manchester (0161 123 4567), dial 011 – 44 – 161 – 123 4567
- To call Edinburgh (0131 234 5678), dial 011 – 44 – 131 – 234 5678
- You can reach a UK mobile phone with the code 011 44 7700 900123.
This sequence allows American callers to reach any telephone number based in the UK. To make a call, follow the exit code, provide the country code followed by the area code (without its initial digit zero), and finish with the local number.
What Are the Steps to Call the UK From a US Cell phone?
Cell phone users in the US should follow this procedure to call UK numbers
The dialing process for the UK from US mobile phones shares similarities with landlines but contains specific variations.
Here’s How to Do it:
- Dial the plus sign (+). You can obtain a “+” symbol by holding down the “0” key when you have a cell phone. Report this sentence by entering “(011)” directly. This procedure replaces the usual exit code for landline dialing.
- Enter the UK country code. Telephone users must enter the UK country code “44” before proceeding with the rest of their number.
- Dial the number. Mobile phone users must complete entire phone numbers when making calls since area codes do not apply to this system. You should remove the first zero from area codes when dialing UK landline numbers.
- An example of British mobile phone calling begins with dialing “+44,” followed by the mobile code “07” and the phone number.
You must dial “07700 900123” as the mobile phone number. Here’s how you’d dial it: +44 7700 900123
- “+” replaces the exit code
- “44” is the UK country code
- The complete mobile phone number is “7700 900123” with an initial “0” removed from the start.
To contact a UK Landline Number, You Should Follow this Procedure:
To reach the London number 020 7946 095,8, dial “+44 20 7946 0958.”
When using contemporary smartphones, formatting international phone numbers requires no manual intervention. A US mobile phone automatically transforms correctly formatted International numbers, including those starting with +44 or Canadian +1, Irish +353, Mexican +5,2, and similar numbers in your contacts.
If you’re calling frequently, consider:
- International format (+44) can be added to UK contact numbers in your phone directories.
- Consult your wireless provider about purchasing international calling plans.
- Internet-based calling applications provide better potential pricing than traditional call methods.
Reaching UK phone numbers using your US cell phone requires several simple steps, regardless of whether you need to contact mobile or landline numbers.
Final Words - Call the United Kingdom from the US
Calling the UK from the US is easy once you understand the correct dialing steps. Whether using a landline, mobile phone, or VoIP service, following the proper sequence ensures your call connects smoothly. Always check your carrier’s international rates to save money, and consider alternatives like WhatsApp or Skype for free or low-cost calls. Planning and using the best method for your needs lets you stay connected with friends, family, or business contacts in the UK without hassle.
FAQ's
Q1. Can I call the UK from the US for free?
Yes! Apps like WhatsApp, Skype, and Facebook Messenger allow free international calls over Wi-Fi.
Q2. What is the cheapest way to call the UK from the US?
Using VoIP services or an international calling plan is the most cost-effective option.
Q3. What happens if I don’t use the correct country code?
Your call won’t go through, or you might be connected to the wrong location.
Q4. Should I add a ‘1’ before the UK number?
No, the UK country code is 44, and you do not need to dial ‘1’ before it.
Q5. Can I send a text message to the UK from the US?
Yes, but international texting rates may apply unless you use apps like WhatsApp or iMessage.
